Utilizing Non-Invasive Fibroscan® Technology to Identify Genetic Markers for Fatty Liver Progression
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Gastrointestinal, Gastrointestinal |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Gastroenterology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 70 |
| Updated: | 2/7/2015 |
| Start Date: | October 2014 |
| End Date: | December 2014 |
| Contact: | Karen Corbin, PhD, RD |
| Email: | karen_corbin@unc.edu |
| Phone: | 704-250-5022 |
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disorder, affecting ~30% of people in
the general population and up to 96% of obese individuals. Variations in several genes have
been found to be associated with fatty liver, but these associations only explain a small
percentage of the risk, and further studies are needed. In many cases NAFLD does not cause
serious side effects, but in some individuals it progresses to scarring or hardening of the
liver, liver failure, and cancer.
The purpose of this research study is to determine if individuals who carry certain genetic
variations in a gene related to bile and choline metabolism have an increased risk of fatty
liver progressing to fibrosis, or scarring of the liver. This study will also use a new,
non-invasive method called the FibroScan® to measure liver fat and liver stiffness. The
FibroScan® device is FDA approved for use to measure liver stiffness, but not for the liver
fat measurement. However, the FibroScan® instrument is considered a non-significant risk
device. Since its induction in Europe and worldwide in 2003, there have been no adverse
effects reported with this device.
the general population and up to 96% of obese individuals. Variations in several genes have
been found to be associated with fatty liver, but these associations only explain a small
percentage of the risk, and further studies are needed. In many cases NAFLD does not cause
serious side effects, but in some individuals it progresses to scarring or hardening of the
liver, liver failure, and cancer.
The purpose of this research study is to determine if individuals who carry certain genetic
variations in a gene related to bile and choline metabolism have an increased risk of fatty
liver progressing to fibrosis, or scarring of the liver. This study will also use a new,
non-invasive method called the FibroScan® to measure liver fat and liver stiffness. The
FibroScan® device is FDA approved for use to measure liver stiffness, but not for the liver
fat measurement. However, the FibroScan® instrument is considered a non-significant risk
device. Since its induction in Europe and worldwide in 2003, there have been no adverse
effects reported with this device.
Purpose: ABCB4 is a gene that intersects choline and bile metabolism, two processes that are
highly relevant for liver disease. The investigators have identified a pattern of genetic
variation that is associated with fatty liver burden and potentially, risk for liver
disease. One of the most prominent genes in this pattern is ABCB4. This data needs to be
replicated in the general population. This study will test the hypothesis that aberrant
function of ABCB4 due to genetic variations will increase the risk of fatty liver
progression to fibrosis. It will also implement innovative, non-invasive technology to
measure liver fat and fibrosis utilizing the FibroScan® instrument. As additional proof of
principle that the measurements we are making correlate with genetics, the investigators
will also measure two genetic variants that have been shown in many studies to correlate
with liver fat and fibrosis by their research team and others: PNPLA3 rs738409 and
rs2281135. Finally, the investigators will calculate a NAFLD-Fibrosis score as an additional
correlate to liver disease status.
Participants: To test this hypothesis, 50 ethnically diverse, overweight or obese male and
female adults will be recruited from the general population.
Procedures: Genotyping to correlate variation in the ABCB4 and PNPLA3 genes with level of
fatty liver and progression to fibrosis with the FibroScan®. Calculation of NAFLD-Fibrosis
score.
highly relevant for liver disease. The investigators have identified a pattern of genetic
variation that is associated with fatty liver burden and potentially, risk for liver
disease. One of the most prominent genes in this pattern is ABCB4. This data needs to be
replicated in the general population. This study will test the hypothesis that aberrant
function of ABCB4 due to genetic variations will increase the risk of fatty liver
progression to fibrosis. It will also implement innovative, non-invasive technology to
measure liver fat and fibrosis utilizing the FibroScan® instrument. As additional proof of
principle that the measurements we are making correlate with genetics, the investigators
will also measure two genetic variants that have been shown in many studies to correlate
with liver fat and fibrosis by their research team and others: PNPLA3 rs738409 and
rs2281135. Finally, the investigators will calculate a NAFLD-Fibrosis score as an additional
correlate to liver disease status.
Participants: To test this hypothesis, 50 ethnically diverse, overweight or obese male and
female adults will be recruited from the general population.
Procedures: Genotyping to correlate variation in the ABCB4 and PNPLA3 genes with level of
fatty liver and progression to fibrosis with the FibroScan®. Calculation of NAFLD-Fibrosis
score.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Males and females
- Ages 18-70 years
- Body mass index 25-45
Exclusion Criteria:
- Alcohol consumption > 20 grams/day
- Liver disease from a cause other than NAFLD (such as hepatitis B/C, alcoholic liver
disease, or autoimmune hepatitis)
- Pharmacological therapy for liver disease
- History of liver transplant
- Presence of implantable medical devices
- Ascites
- Pregnancy
- Smoking or use of recreational drugs
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